Rajinikanth's Exit from Politics: Impact on Tamil Nadu Elections and Future Trends
The star-studded actor and prominent personality, Rajinikanth, has made it clear that he will not enter the political arena in Tamil Nadu. This decision has major implications for the regional and national political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
BJP’s Political Maneuvering
The BJP has already secured its target of 38 seats for the upcoming state elections and hence, the immediate need for leverage through Rajini as a potential Chief Minister (CM) candidate is no longer apparent. According to intelligence, the BJP initially used Rajinikanth as a soft threat to bargain seats from the AIADMK. With the BJP now holding 30 seats, a significant achievement given the circumstances, this move to collaborate with AIADMK is seen as a political strategy to ensure a strong alliance for the next state elections.
Rajinikanth’s Strategic Withdrawal
Rajinikanth's decision to stay out of politics is not merely a non-event; the actor was a highly valuable asset for the BJP. His charisma and widespread appeal, mainly among senior citizens and middle-aged individuals, would have significantly aided the BJP. However, it was evident to him that the political game was rigged, and leaving without tarnishing his reputation was the wisest decision.
While his film career might suffer a brief hit, Rajinikanth’s strategic move is a testament to his astute business acumen. Staying in politics would have entailed additional financial burdens, as the BJP would not have provided additional funding beyond the initial influencer marketing services agreement. This move, therefore, saved him considerable expenditure and preserved his legacy within the entertainment industry.
Impact on Tamil Nadu Party Dynamics
The DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) faces the biggest jolt with Rajinikanth's decision. The withdrawal of his support will likely consolidate all anti-DMK votes to the AIADMK-BJP alliance. This alliance is expected to win 150 seats in the 2021 elections, leading to a catastrophic defeat for the DMK, which is predicted to win only about 20 seats. This would push the DMK into a supporting role in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, if not the last bench.
The opposition leader's position could go to the BJP, meaning that the DMK will be further marginalized. This development is a historic moment in Tamil Nadu where the DMK, once a dominant force, is likely to face its dissolution. Expectations are high, especially among TN voters, to witness a significant shift in the political landscape post-May 2021.
Future Political Landscape
Both the BJP and Rajinikanth have gained from this strategic move. For the BJP, maintaining a foothold in Tamil Nadu required a multi-faceted approach, and partnering with AIADMK ensures a strong alliance. Rajinikanth, on the other hand, avoids the political pitfalls that often accompany public figures, maintaining his neutrality which can be beneficial for future projects and personal life.
It remains to be seen how AIADMK leverages this new alliance to maintain its position and compete within Tamil Nadu. This political shake-up could affect the political dynamics not just in Tamil Nadu, but potentially across India, as Rajinikanth's influence extends far beyond his film career.